DIMITAR BERBATOV reckons “desperate” Pep Guardiola will struggle to win the Champions League this season.
Manchester City ended their Champions League group stage campaign by beating Dinamo Zagreb 4-1 this week and are the current favourites to win the competition.
Dimitar Berbatov says Man City are not playing well enough to win the Champions LeagueCredit: Reuters
Manchester United legend Berbatov has given his thoughts to betfair.com, saying: “Manchester City are the favourites to win the Champions League but they wouldn’t be my bet to lift the trophy next May.
“City ended their Group stage campaign by beating Dinamo Zagreb 4-1 this week, but we shouldn’t read too much into City’s results so far, as they haven’t played any opponents that are at their level.
“Pep Guardiola is desperate to win the Champions League with City but other teams are playing better football.”
Defending champions Liverpool have had a good run so far in the Premier League, as they sit eight points clear of nearest challengers Leicester City.
The Reds have also won 15 of their last 16 games, and drawn the other.
The Bulgarian also added that Jose Mourinho’s Spurs will be a danger in the competition.
Berbatov added: “Liverpool haven’t been at their best in the Champions League this term but they’re performing brilliantly in the Premier League and, as the holders, know how to pace themselves for the knockout rounds.
“Barcelona and Juventus are also strong contenders and you shouldn’t write off Spurs.
“They have no reason to be fearful about who they get in Monday’s knockout stage draw.
“In Jose Mourinho, Spurs have a coach who’s won trophies throughout his career, including the Champions League with Porto and Inter – two teams that few people would have fancied.
“So it doesn’t matter who Spurs face. They have great quality and after reaching the final last year, should feel confident.”
Tottenham finished second in Group B of the Champions League under newly appointed manager Jose Mourinho.Credit: PA:Press Association
Berbatov went on to praise Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and the Red Devils for their recent win over rivals City, further highlighting the fact that the Premier League title is well and truly out of Guardiola’s reach.
He added: “I was very happy after the Manchester derby because United fully deserved their victory over City.
“United’s concentration levels and aggression in the tackle were fantastic and they played some superb combination football.
“It’s great to see Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s youngsters playing with confidence from defence to attack.
“I can tell they like their manager and want to win for him.
“On Thursday, Mason Greenwood showed in the 4-0 win over AZ Alkmaar that he’s a natural born goalscorer with a striker’s instinct.
“Solskjaer should be praised for giving him the chance to shine.
“The two massive victories against City and Spurs should buy Solskjaer time to work in peace and concentrate on developing his team.
“Of course, as soon as United lose the press will be saying he’s under pressure again so United mustn’t let their performance level drop when they host Everton on Sunday.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
